MWEA, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three Nigerian nationals in Kirinyaga County following a multi-agency raid that uncovered what authorities describe as a sophisticated cyber fraud network.
The suspects — Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel — were arrested in Mwaliko Estate, Mwea Town, after members of the public raised alarms over their suspicious late-night activities inside a rented apartment.
According to the DCI, officers recovered 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards, a Dell laptop, and multiple credit cards from different banks during the operation. Investigators believe the items were being used in coordinated online fraud targeting local and foreign victims.
“The raid blew the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals,” DCI said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “The suspects were flushed out after alert members of the public raised an alarm over suspicious movements and late-night activities inside a rented apartment.”
Preliminary investigations indicate the trio’s immigration documents had expired, and they were residing in the country illegally without valid work permits.
“They claim to be running an online business, but our investigations point to a well-oiled fraud network,” DCI said, adding that the suspects are currently in custody as detectives trace possible links to cross-border cybercrime syndicates.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the rise of transnational cybercrime in Kenya, with authorities warning that foreign-linked networks are exploiting the country’s expanding digital economy.
The suspects will be arraigned once investigations are complete.
